IGP: Probe underway into Mkini columnist over 'apartheid' reference to UiTM

Police have opened an investigation paper against Malaysiakini columnist Andrew Sia over his opinion piece “Our apartheid academy, UiTM” published on May 22.

Inspector-General of Police Razarudin Husain told Harian Metro that 14 police reports had been lodged about the article as of 6pm yesterday, adding that police would obtain information from the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission on the writer.

An information chief of a political party was the first to report the matter to police at the Dang Wangi police station, he added.

The investigation is under intentional insult to provoke a breach of the peace (Section 504 of the Penal Code), using network facilities to transmit communications that could be deemed offensive (Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act) and the use of insulting words (Section 14 of the Minor Offences Act).

Section 504 of the Penal Code states: "Whoever intentionally insults, and thereby gives provocation to any person, intending or knowing it to be likely that such provocation will cause him to break the public peace, or to commit any other offence, shall be punished with imprisonment for a term which may extend to two years or with a fine or with both."

Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act stipulates offences of using network facilities to transmit communication deemed to be offensive or could cause annoyance to another person. An offence under the section is punishable with up to one year imprisonment, a fine up to RM50,000, or both.

Under Section 14 of the Minor Offences Act 1955, any sort of insulting behaviour – be it in terms of using insulting or indecent words, language or gestures – which is administered with the intention of disturbing the peace or provoking someone else is regarded as an offence.

In response to the column, Umno Youth chief Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh demanded that Malaysiakini take down the article and called for Sia to issue an apology.

He also called on his wing members nationwide to lodge police reports against the news portal and its columnist.

Umno secretary-general Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki also criticised Sia for his opinion piece calling it a vicious slander.

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COMMENT | Vicious slander in calling UiTM 'apartheid academy'